The Tampa Bay Lightning fell short, 6-2, to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night. Steven Stamkos has scored in all Lightning games thus far. Tampa Bay is now under the .500 mark while the Penguins remain undefeated. However, Lightning fans, don’t fret; the season just started.
Game Recap
To begin the game, Jeff Petry tripped Kucherov giving the Bolts a power play. Steven Stamkos’ goal streak would continue in Stamkos fashion on the power play, as he ripped one home from his office. 37 seconds later, the Lightning would lose their momentum as they would go to the penalty kill. Alex Killorn’s slashing penalty would be killed off by Tampa Bay, but it allowed Pittsburgh to build momentum. Play would shift back and forward until legend Sidney Crosby scored with three minutes remaining in the first period. It was 1-1 after one frame.
Another penalty would be taken to begin a period, but this time it was against Steven Stamkos for tripping. Heinen worked hard on the forecheck and made the goalie move on a give-and-go to pick the top corner. Leading 2-1, Pittsburgh would carry the momentum for the majority of the period. No more goals would be scored in the middle frame, while both teams took care of penalty kills.
In the third period, the Penguins ran away with the score. 2:28 into the period, Guentzel scored, extending the lead to two. A little over a minute later, Jeff Carter would slide the puck post-and-in for goal number four. Midway through the period, Tampa Bay failed to capitalize on another power play. Following their advantage, they dropped to the penalty kill. Bryan Rust would tip in goal number five on the Pittsburgh power play. 32 seconds later, Brayden Point would attempt to be a catalyst for the Lightning, reducing the Penguin lead. After the goal, Jon Cooper would pull the goalie hoping to spark a comeback. However, Rickard Rakell would put the nail in the coffin, scoring an empty netter with around four minutes remaining. The game would end 6-2 Pittsburgh.
FL Teams Star of the Game
Steven Stamkos was a light in the dark for the Bolts in the loss. Stamkos continued his three game goal streak to begin the season while tacking on an assist. He was also one of the few Bolts recording above a negative goal differential while playing over twenty minutes.
Up Next
Tampa Bay will return home from their three game road trip for their home opener. The home opener will take place on Tuesday, October 18th against the Philadelphia Flyers. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST at Amalie Arena.